GIG is a super-group formed by a trio of legendary music makers: Randy Goodrum, Dave Innis and Bruce Gaitsch. These cats have written and / or played on a mind-blowing array for great albums and songs during the last three decades covering a number of musical genres, working with artists ranging from ToTo, Richard Marx and Steve Perry to Elton John, Restless Heart and Madonna.
“Brave New World” is their first album together, now being released in Japan on high quality SHM-CD including a bonus track.
This one is a mandatory listen for classy West Coast AOR / classic rock lovers – real music performed by real musicians.
Goodrum’s impact on artists such as Toto, Steve Perry and JaR (his little known, yet brilliant project with Jay Graydon) continues to press the writing envelope. Innis has lent his keyboard and writing talents to the Pointer Sisters, Kenny Rogers and Peter Cetera. He’s also a member of the highly successful country group Restless Heart.
Gaitsch, an accomplished solo artist in his own right and member of AOR gem King Of Hearts with tommy Funderburk, has composed and performed for artists as wide ranging as Richard Marx, Chicago, Tim Feehan, Elton John and Madonna.
Conceived in 2013, GIG evolved organically with Bruce Gaitsch and Dave Innis providing most of the music and Randy Goodrum the lyrical heft and additional melodies. The results on their new album “Brave New World” are predictably strong.
“Private O’Toole” kicks things off in fine fashion with Innis’ acoustic piano setting the scene around Gaitsch’s elegant acoustic guitars. Goodrum’s vocal delivery is smooth, in the best Westcoast tradition. The song is unmistakably crafty and well produced, tying touches of organ, Gaitsch’s soaring electric works and a tasty hook.
“Hernando’s Paradise” picks up the pace on the CD with a strong rhythmic back drop, soaring Randy Goodrum vocals and warm acoustic keyboard sounds. Bruce Gaitsch again demonstrates why he’s a first-call vet, as his electric solo elevates the song to a higher plane yet never interferes with the theme.
What is unusual, given the current state of music, is that GIG’s songs are played rather than programmed, with the likes of Keith Carlock (Steely Dan) and Billy Ward (Bill Champlin) on drums, and George Hawkins Jr. (Kenny Loggins) on bass. Their sympathetic playing and deft production are evident.
“The Box” could have been a Part 2 to the JaR song ‘Call Donavon’. Lyrically, Randy Goodrum mines familiar territory and the melody seems JaR-like. Gaitsch’s acoustic guitar is welcome, as it blends perfectly with the piano of Innis and complements the backing vocals provided by Janey Clewer.
“Peddler, Pete” is among my favorite GIG songs. The acoustic ballad finds Goodrum working his lyrical magic amidst the lovely piano of Innis. His storytelling of a frontier is moving and vivid.
“Isle of Pigs” sounds deceptively graceful. Randy Goodrum, ties in historical and mystical references with a Latin-inspired melody of Innis and Gaitsch, which is among their best. Gaitsch and Innis’ dance with each other on acoustic guitar and piano, as a fretless bass provides additional sonic heft. This is, indeed, great pop music.
The title track, “Brave New World” has a simplicity and directness reminiscent of the best Seventies Westcoast / MOR music. The song is vivid and enthralling.
GIG is for sure an unlikely super-group, one where refined melodies & gusto are the focus, and “Brave New World” deserves your attention. (thanks to Nakata for this one)
P～Vine ／ Light Mellow – PCD-27057
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01 – Private O’Toole
02 – Hernando’s Paradise
03 – The Box
04 – Peddler, Pete
05 – Waiting
06 – Ramblin’ Dan
07 – Little Flame
08 – All There Is
09 – Isle Of Pigs
10 – Brave New World
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
11 – Mars, Last Week
Randy Goodrum – vocals, keyboards
Dave Innis – keyboards, piano
Bruce Gaitsch – guitars
Keith Carlock (Steely Dan, Toto) – drums
Billy Ward (Marc Jordan, Bill Champlin) – drums
Dan Needham (Michael McDonald) – drums
George Hawkins Jr. (Kenny Loggins) – bass
Tim Denbo – bass
Janey Clewer (David Foster Band) – backing vocals
turbo from web , waiting REAL CD_SHM-Rip soon